Optometric Scholar of the Month - Evan C. Hays

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PLEASE PROVIDE a BRIEF summary of your background.

I was born and raised in southern Illinois, near St. Louis, Missouri. Most of my childhood consisted of traveling around the Midwest and playing soccer, tennis, baseball, or anything else that kept me outside. When the sun set and it was time to come in, I spent most of my time reading and enjoying time with my family. My parents dedicated all of their time to ensuring that my sister Chelsea, my brother Drew, and I had a drive to succeed and the ability to explore our passions. Their unwavering support had a crucial effect on my childhood.

describe your current situation.

I am a fourth-year optometry student at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. I will be graduating in May. I have spent this year on externship rotations, sharpening my clinical skills. My first rotation was in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at Williamson Eye Center, where I worked with world-class doctors. Each doctor there went out of their way to facilitate my learning experience. Notably, I spent most of my time with Josh Davidson, OD, FAAO, FSLS, who challenged me to be the best version of myself. This included fitting my first scleral lens, inserting punctal plugs, and answering his quizzes on the spot.

From Baton Rouge, I moved to the Tampa Bay area to work at Eye Associates of Pinellas, where I primarily worked with ophthalmologists. This experience was special because I was able to live with my brother and make meaningful memories. The past 6 months of my rotations have been spent with the school clinics in Fort Lauderdale.

What sparked your
interest in optometry?

My interest started with my own optometrist, Justin Scheiter, OD, as an adolescent. Dr. Scheiter explained the procedures and my diagnoses in a way that encouraged me to learn more. As I got older, I was fortunate enough to shadow him in his clinic, where my interest became a burning passion.

What causes or specialties
are you passionate about?

I love fitting specialty contact lenses and assessing patients with dry eye. Although it takes more time than a complete eye examination, it is highly satisfying when patients start to see results. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the trade. Dry eye technology has increased greatly, even since I started school. I believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated dry eye symptoms, most likely due to increased screen time. My goal is to alleviate these debilitating symptoms and to continue to learn new ways to manage dry eye.

Scleral lenses are my favorite lenses to fit because I can connect with patients and help those who are unable to achieve adequate vision with glasses or soft contact lenses. I will never forget the first time a patient cried tears of joy after a successful scleral lens fit.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your training so far?

My time in clinic each day is fulfilling, but the most rewarding aspect is connecting with my patients and creating plans to improve their unique visual situations. I find joy when I ask the right questions that lead to a definitive diagnosis.

What have you found most challenging in your optometric journey?

I spent the most crucial year of my schooling watching lectures behind a computer due to the pandemic. Although that was the best option at the time, I found that I learn significantly better in a classroom setting. It was hard to find the motivation to study at times, but I believe that the experience helped me learn more about myself and find the drive to succeed.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Fifteen years from now? 

I plan to open my own practice and highlight underserved specialties. My goal is to cover pediatrics, glaucoma, contact lenses, and dry eye. This venture will likely require that I partner with multiple other optometrists. Eventually, I will open additional practice locations.

I am business-minded in general and intend to work with my brother to open businesses in other sectors outside of optometry.